Catching Butterflies Collages
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Catching Butterflies Collages using drawing techniques learned in class
- Use line types (horizontal vertical diagonal), shape variation (geometric organic free form), and texture (actual visual implied) inspired by German Illustrator (1647-1717) Maria Sibylla Merian
- Use collage techniques (juxtaposition, layering, composition, adhesive) and design principles (variation emphasis movement) based on Scientific Illustrations
- Define Illustration (a visual representation (drawing, painting, photograph, digital image) created to explain, interpret, decorate, or enhance text, concept, or process)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Merian's Branch Of West Indian Cherry With Achilles Morpho Butterfly (1702-1703) Maria Sibylla Merian
2. Read Butterfly Park by Elly MacKay
3. Discussion Questions "Did you know Merian traveled to Suriman with her daughter at the age of 52 to study tropical flora and fauna? Did you know she was the first artist to embark on a field excursion when these did not exist in science yet? Did you know her step father was the renowned still life painter Jacob Marrel? Do you think art, science, natural observation, and artistic intention work well together? Are there any aspects of her life and work that you find particularly remarkable? Did you know Merian was alive during the Dutch Golden Age? How do you think she was a successful artist despite many restrictions on women at the time? Did you know Merian funded her own artwork by selling her drawings, engravings, and books? Did you know Merian invented the field of ecology we know today? What advice do you think Merian would give young women considering science as a career path today?"
Lesson Activities
1. Choose a butterfly reference photograph for the positive space (foreground, butterfly) of the Catching Butterflies Collages
2. Use line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to fill in positive space (foreground, butterfly) of the Catching Butterflies Collages
3. Use line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Catching Butterflies Collages
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Catching Butterflies Collages for Assigned Table
2. Butterfly Peacock Mirror On Forage Plant (1705) Maria Sibylla Merian
3. Discussion Questions "What medium do you think the illustrator used? Why do you think that they choose these colors? Is there a reason yellow is shown only on a couple of pages? Why do the colors change on this page when the main character is sad? Are all the lines in this book pointing in only one direction? Why are the lines pointing in one direction? How many patterns are on this single page? How can we care for our caterpillars and butterflies? Can you show me the flight path the butterfly took before it reached the net? Do you see any patterns or designs on the wings that might help the butterfly hide? What kind of background should we add to show where this butterfly lives- a garden, a river, or a mountain? What can you tell me about the person with the net- are they running fast or sneaking quietly? If your butterfly escaped the net, where is the first place it would fly too? How can we make both sides match like a mirror? Where does your butterfly go when it rains? Should we catch this butterfly to study in a journal or is it going to a special butterfly garden?"
Lesson Activities
1. Draw an outline of the selected butterfly reference for the positive space (foreground, butterflies) onto the watercolor paper
2. Use graphite techniques (engraving, carving, scratching) with a stylus to add highlights (light source, reflective light) to the Catching Butterflies Collages
3. Use graphite techniques (engraving, carving, scratching) with a stylus to add shadows (reflective light, cast shadow) to the Catching Butterflies Collages
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Catching Butterflies Collages for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (glue sticks, scissors, watercolor, paint brushes)
Lesson Activities
1. Use graphite techniques (carving, scratching, engraving) with a stylus to finish adding details (clouds, leaves, net) to the Catching Butterflies Collages
2. Add value (lightness, darkness, highlights, shadows) to the positive space (foreground, butterflies) of the Catching Butterflies Collages
3. Add details (clouds, leaves, nets) using illustrative techniques (hatching, stippling, cross hatching) to the final Catching Butterflies Collages
Artist Examples
Student Examples
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